Insomnia Causes & Treatments

Few things can affect one's perception and performance as much as lack of sleep. Although most people are unaware when they're suffering from minor sleep deprivation, it can still have a marked effect on their behavior and motor skills. Insomnia, therefore, can wreak havoc on a person's life.

If you feel you're suffering from insomnia, it's important to know the basics. Insomnia is a sleep disorder, and is characterized by the inability to fall or stay asleep for a significant amount of time. Although patients’ reports of sleeping trouble seem to suggest a familial connection, any genetic link carrying the disorder has yet to be found.

Note: There is a difference between having trouble sleeping or poor sleep quality and clinical insomnia. This article deals with the latter, taking into account medical causes and remedies.

insomnia causes

Emotional disorders

Emotional disorders can have very powerful effects on a sufferer’s life if left untreated. Through chemical alterations in the body, these disorders have the ability to change one’s perception, coping skills and ability to sleep. As such, they can be a major cause of insomnia. A large majority of those who report persistent insomnia also suffer from psychological issues like depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety. This may be because of the high levels of cortisol — a stress hormone — that are frequently caused by these psychological disorders, and are often found in those suffering from chronic insomnia.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions that affect breathing, motor control or brain activity levels may also be responsible for persistent insomnia. Conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, or heart disease could play a big role in one’s inability to sleep. This is likely due to the physical discomfort that's caused, which ultimately affects one’s ability to relax and fall asleep.

Medications

Medications that contain stimulants could be the cause of insomnia. Antidepressants are specifically noted as a possible cause because of their chemical makeup. Similarly, although likely on a lesser scale, other “uppers” like caffeine can have a huge effect on your insomnia. Try avoiding coffee after a set time in the day — like lunch time or your late-afternoon break.